Deputy Probate Register

miOttawa.org; Grand Haven (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Ottawa County is seeking a Probate Court Clerk to support the Probate Court in Grand Haven, MI. The role involves assisting parties with probate procedures, filing petitions, and maintaining case data in the court system.

The position requires knowledge of Michigan probate law, court rules, and strong organizational and communication skills. Notary status within six months is expected if not currently held.

Qualifications

• Understand Estates and Protected Individuals Code (PA 386 of 1998) and Mental Health Code (PA 258 of 1974).
• Knowledge of Michigan Court Rules, SCAO rules, and probate procedures.
• Working knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Familiarity with privacy requirements related to medical and court records.
• Computer literacy with word processing, spreadsheets, and database apps.
• Excellent customer relation, time management, organizational, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assists customers by phone and at the counter with probate policies, procedures, fees, court orders, and directs to appropriate staff.
• Assists with preparing and filing petitions for mental competency and involuntary commitment hearings.
• Notices hearings, prepares proofs of service and summonses, and serves notices to involved parties.
• Receives, records, and files legal forms, petitions, motions, and other documents for Probate matters.
• Verifies and enters case data into the case management system; maintains fiduciary accounts and financial statements.

Education

Associate's Degree preferred

Job description

Under the supervision of the Probate Register or Chief Deputy Probate Register, assists parties to matters before the Probate Court in complying with the substantive and procedural requirements of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (PA 386 of 1998), the Mental Health Code (PA 258 of 1974) and other probate-related statutes of the State of Michigan, and rules and regulations established by the State Court Administrative Office (SCAO). This is a full-time, benefited position working out of the Grand Haven Courthouse located at 414 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists customers on the phone and at the counter, explaining court policy and procedures for all probate matters; fees; and Court orders; and/or refers customers to appropriate court staff.
• Assists family members and mental health workers in the preparation and filing of petitions for mental competency and involuntary commitment hearings.
• Notices mental competency and involuntary commitment hearings, on- and off-site; prepares notices to appear; and prepares proofs of service and serves notices to involved parties.
• Contact attorneys for mental deferrals.
• Receives, records, and files legal forms, petitions, motions, and other documents pertaining to all Probate case types, and other matters before the court.
• Verifies, corrects, codes, and enters case data into the case management information system.
• Assists conservators for minor children and mentally and legally incompetent and developmentally disabled adults, guardians ad litem and personal representatives and trustees of decedent estates in filingreports and all fiduciary accounts.
• Reviews calculations and balances, ensures supporting documentation accompanies filings, and reviews financial statements for substantive and procedural compliance.
• Balances daily cash register receipt logs.
• Performs monthly transmittal settlement reports.
• Prepares reports for the SCAO.
• Coordinates court-ordered mediation.
• Researches and responds to questions regarding open and closed Probate files.
• Cross-matches applicants with mental competency hearing records to ensure that applicants have not previously been adjudged to be mentally incompetent.
• Prepares a variety of probate forms, correspondence, and other documents.
• Creates orders to arrange for prisoners to be brought to court for hearings; coordinates with Michigan Department of Corrections/Sheriff’s Department.
• Reviews MiFile (efiling) ques for necessary clerk approvals/rejections
• May perform any and all functions of the Probate Court Clerk classification as necessary to ensure proper caseflow and timely litigation of cases in the court.
• Helps support an equitable, safe, diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED and post-secondary training in business information systems, legal studies, or closely related field and two years of progressively responsible experience in a legal office with a probate practice or a probate court position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Associate's Degree preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

Must be a State of Michigan Notary Public or become a Notary Public within six months of employment.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Basic working knowledge of the Estates and Protected Individuals Code (PA 386 of 1998), the Mental Health Code (PA 258 of 1974), and other probate-related statutes of the State of Michigan.
• Working knowledge of Michigan Court Rules and SCAO rules, regulations, and requirements.
• Working knowledge of probate procedures and practices.
• Working knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Good working knowledge of privacy requirements related to medical and court records.
• Computer literacy and facility in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database management applications.
• Working knowledge of document imaging systems and protocols and practices.
• Excellent customer relation skills.
• Good time management and organizational skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal and human relations skills.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.

Working Conditions:

Work is generally performed in a normal office environment.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.